Placement: 3rd in the 50 - 59 age division
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Upper 70's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] [2019] [2018] [2012]
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:13 | Initial climb on this race. Surprised that this wasn't slower |
| 2 | 7:51 | Cruising downhill a bit. Solid effort. |
| 3 | 8:56 | Wow, I died on this mile. Glad to be done |
| 3.06 | 0:24 | Sprint to the finish -- gentle downhill |
| Total Miles: 3.06 - 25:26 | ||
Introduction
I really look forward to the Farmington Festival Days 5K / 10K race. I first discovered the race when I moved to the Salt Lake area in 2012. Back then, they had a half marathon which I did (in 1:41). But for some reason I took a hiatus from the race and resumed attending in 2019.
They had dropped the half marathon and simply had a 5K / 10K. I ran the 10K and really enjoyed the challenging course. It was never boring and best of all -- they had a really nice breakfast at the end that was included with your race entry.
So this year, I couldn't wait to sign up. But with lingering injury issues, I was hesitant to sign up for anything other than the 5K. So this was my first attempt at the competitive 5K race.
The Race
I got to the race early and snagged my shirt and bib and used the toilet. With a 7 AM start time looming -- it was already getting warm. The hot stifling air just seemed to make you not want to run hard. I did some drills and got the heart rate going.
I have had a lingering back injury for the last 2 - 3 months and during my warm-up I could feel it. Definitely not happy. There was a stabbing sensation in my lower back right above my hip. I began to have some serious doubts as to whether this would be doable or not. When this injury flairs up, it can stop you in your tracks.
So I kept my warm-up fairly brief, assembled just beyond the start line and got ready to run what might result in a walking finish 5K.
The race start was pretty crowded. The race is well attended by young folks. So the first quarter mile required a bit of finesse to get through. I didn't mind though. The first half mile or so is a gentle uphill and it is best to go out a little easy on it so as not to burn out.
I felt like I was breathing pretty hard by the time I got to the top of the hill. Fortunately, you get a downhill stretch and I was able to coast a while. I was trying to gauge the competition, but the lead back had already gotten some ground on me. Also, I was running with the 10K runners, so until the split off occurred, it was hard to tell who was running what.
As I ran down 200 E I was greeted with an 8:13 for the first mile. I was expecting something more in the 8:30's, especially after the initial hill.
Finally the sign appeared for the split. My heart was a little saddened that I wasn't continuing onward with the 10K but it was the best decision.
Mile 1 to 2 was a nice downhill. It was nice to let off the gas a bit and just float down the hill. There was the occasional neighbor sitting on the corner watching us fly down the hill. I finally got back to the Frontage Road -- one that I had suffered along for many of the previous year's 10Ks.
It was flat here and while I did have some crowd support, I clearly was running out of gas. I was running with a few people that clearly weren't in my age group. Mile 2's time of 7:51 offered a glimmer of hope of a decent race, but I knew that the rest of the race was flat or a slight uphill.
The crowds lining the street for the upcoming parade couldn't really save me. I was really working hard here and just wanted the race to be over. I kept looking at my watch as I breezed within earshot of the finish line -- still over half a mile to go.
My form had gone by the time I got behind city hall. There wasn't really anyone chasing me and one guy who I thought might be in my age group was pulling ahead of me.
I really had nothing left. The heat, lack of training and I think eating a bit too much prerace had caught up to me.
Finally the final turn hit and the last .15 of a mile or so is fast and downhill. All that was left was running for pride as I cruised down the hill and crossed under the finish line.
Conclusion
I was absolutely stunned that my back / hip held up. I had very few problems with it during the race. My fitness though, has definitely taken a hit.
I was stunned to learn I had taken 3rd place in the 50 to 59 age division. I kept refreshing the results half expecting my result to be removed. But fortunately it held up.
There are no finisher's medals in this event. With a race price of just over $20 I really don't expect one -- especially after the race provides a breakfast.
Post race refreshments were water. They may have had bananas but I didn't see any by the time I was interested in one.
So naturally, I wish my time had been better but given where I am at, I was pretty happy with my time. The course came in a little short but my time considering the course profile and heat weren't too bad. I did manage to get a medal.
I'll definitely be there next year and this is one race I really enjoy.
Upcoming Races
07/16: 2022 Draper Days 5K - Draper, UT (Confirmed)
07/23: 2022 Handcart 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)
07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)
08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Maybe)
08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Maybe)
08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)
09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)
10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)
10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)
10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)
01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)
02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)
08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)
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